The second week of NAB Cup triple-headers started on Friday night, with the Kangaroos, Demons and Tigers in action at Docklands.First up was Melbourne v North Melbourne. And in the early stages, Kangaroo ruckman Majak Daw stole the show. Daw, the first Sudanese refugee to make his way onto an AFL list, went up and took a spectacular mark, and shortly afterwards delivered a pass that was marked by Ben Jacobs, who went back and kicked a super-goal. On the back of the nine-pointer, the Kangaroos found themselves out to an early lead; which they would maintain through the first half. Despite two late goals to the Demons, the Kangaroos were still nine points ahead at half time.The Demons were finding some run late in the first half, which they maintained in the early stages of the second half as they worked their way back into the contest. Kick-starting the charge was a goal from mini-draft pick Jesse Hogan. Hogan is too young to play AFL footy when the main season starts this year, but showed plenty of potential to build on for the future.The Demons made a late charge in the final moments to get back to within two points with still a few minutes to go. But the Kangaroos defended grimly, holding on to take the first win of the season.Richmond joined in the action for the second game, taking on the Demons. And the Tigers had an impressive opening to the evening, winning a low-scoring tussle by 15 points.The Tigers had plenty of run early, but let themselves down on the forward line, with four behinds before the first goal went on the board. And when it came, it was soon followed up with a booming torp from Bachar Houli that contributed nine points to the Tiger cause. The Demons could only manage one scoring shot in the first half, a goal, and the Tigers led by 20 points at half time. But they were unable to add to that lead, as the second quarter became a battle of the defences. The Tigers scored four points for the half, and the Demons would score the only goal of the half; but in the end the Tigers’ superiority around the ground was reflected more in the doubling of the Demons’ score than in the relatively modest 15-point margin.The final game for the evening saw North Melbourne take on Richmond; and the Kangaroos won their second thriller of the evening, this time taking the game by four points.A high-scoring shootout in the first half saw the Kangaroos out-shoot the Tigers five goals to four, leading by five points at the break. North youngster Majak Daw continued his standout evening with another impressive performance, showing plenty of ability in the ruck and floating forward to kick a handy goal to give the Kangaroos the lead.The second half was lower-scoring and more evenly contested. Two goals apiece, while both sides created plenty of chances but kicked inaccurately and turned the ball over in the forward line with regularity. But the Kangaroos remained in front through the second half; and although the Tigers kept within a kick, they were unable to conjure up a late winner.And so the Kangaroos emerged with the spoils, wins in both their games; while the Demons, after a disappointing 2012, still have some work to do to get themselves ready for their 2013 campaign.

Saturday evening saw the action move to the Gold Coast, with the local Suns in action against Brisbane and Hawthorn. The first match would see the Suns take on the Hawks, and it would be a thriller that would be decided with a kick after the siren.There wasn’t much to choose between the sides in the first half. The Hawks had several of last year’s Grand Final team out, and the Suns were giving them a run for their money. The lead fluctuated through the first half, with the Hawks leading by a point at the break.But as the second half got under way, the Suns were getting on top. Gary Ablett, despite limited pre-season preparation, was in strong form and picking up a glut of possession and creating attacking moves for the Suns. And the Hawks suffered a blow as small forward Paul Puopolo went down with a knee injury, being stretchered off and playing no further part in the game. With just a few minutes to go, the Suns were leading by seven points before a late fightback levelled the scores. But the Suns got the centre break, the ball being marked by Luke Russell just inside the 50 metre circle as the siren sounded. A behind with the kick after the siren was enough to hand the Suns a first-up win.The Hawks backed up for the second game of the evening, this time taking on the Brisbane Lions. And, with the weather getting wetter and windier as the first half progressed, the ball was slippery and the game was a slog. Neither side was able to get enough clean possession; and scoring chances were few and far between. The Hawks scored the only goal of the first half to lead by six points at half time. But within a minute of the restart, the Lions had levelled the scores and the momentum of the game was switching.Midfielder Daniel Rich was in control for the Lions, while free agency signing Brent Moloney was also looking impressive in his first game in his new colours. Four unanswered goals in the second term set up a 21-point win for the Lions, ensuring the Hawks would leave their adventures at Carrara without a win.Finally, it was a mini-Q-clash; as the Suns and the Lions clashed in the last game of the evening. And it would be a clinic of enterprising Brisbane Lions footy, as the Brisbane side put on a convincing 33-point win over their Queensland rivals.The rain that had plagued the first half of the previous game had cleared; but the tactics in this game were far removed from the defensive focus of the last game. This was a high-scoring shootout; and it was the Lions who would have the weapons to kick the superior score. The platform was laid by two super-goals, the first on the run by Dayne Zorko and then Brent Moloney let fly with a set shot. On the back of the two nine-pointers, the Lions opened up an 11-point lead at half time.The Lions were on a roll, and there was no letting up in the second half. A five-goal haul opened up the final margin to 33 points, giving the Lions the status of the undefeated team in this group of three teams and propelling themselves to the top of the NAB Cup ladder.

Sunday afternoon saw the action head out to Blacktown, with GWS Giants, Sydney and Carlton taking to the field. The afternoon started out hot and sunny, but a change with thunderstorms was forecast; and only a small crowd ventured to Blacktown International Sportspark for these games.Jonathan Patton, after an injury-interrupted 2012 season, showed he was back to full fitness as he scored two early goals as the Giants raced away to a lead. At the other end, the Blues were squandering chances. Against all expectations, the Giants kicked four goals to one for the quarter, leading by 13 points at half time.But the second half saw another dream comeback, as Carlton’s Sam Rowe returned to the action. After being out of the game undergoing cancer treatment, Rowe made his first step to making up for lost time as he kicked two goals in the second half and was influential around the ground. For much of the half the Giants looked poised to pull off what would have been a stunning upset. But some late goals to the Blues were just enough to pip the Giants at the post, Levi Casboult’s winning goal coming through with just seconds to spare.The dark clouds began to circle as the second match got under way, with Carlton backing up to play Sydney. The Swans, coming off premiership success in 2012, were far from being back to match fitness and had several of their Grand Final heroes absent from this match; electing to give their younger players some game time.The Blues wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard. From the centre break, Eddie Betts burst through a pack of players, racing over the 50 metre line and slamming the ball through for the opening goal. It was the start of a dream opening half for the Blues. A super-goal to Tom Bell followed soon after; and the Blues had three more goals before the Swans were finally able to break through for their first.24 points was the Carlton lead at the break, and the Swans’ plight worsened while the players were off the field as the heavens opened. Rain and lightning pounded the field before the players returned for the second half. There would be no way back for the Swans, just one goal apiece for the second period, as the Blues cruised to their second win of the evening.A mini-derby wrapped up the evening’s proceedings; and for the first time, the Giants claimed bragging rights over their cross-town rivals. Jonathan Patton, as he did against Carlton, launched the Giants’ attack with two first half goals. The Giants were getting the better of play around the ground, but a nine-pointer to Jesse White kept the Swans within striking distance. But 11 scoring shots to two in the first half was a reflection of the Giants getting on top around the ground.The Giants led by 16 points at half time, and when Toby Greene landed a double within a minute in the second half, victory to the league’s newest franchise was assured. The Swans were undermanned, it was only a NAB Cup; but none of that mattered to the Giants, who had plenty to celebrate as they were on track to claim a win against their cross-town rivals for the first time in their short history.